Despite Colin Kaepernick's NFL collusion case, the former 49ers QB belongs on the field

SportsPulse: Trysta Krick says that the Houston Texans would sign Colin Kaepernick if they were more concerned about winning than their bottom line.
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FILE - In this Dec. 11, 2016, file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif. Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien says he and general manager Rick Smith have discussed signing Colin Kaepernick in the wake of last week's season-ending injury to Deshaun Watson. When asked about Kaepernick on Monday, a day after Tom Savage struggled in a loss to the Colts, O'Brien said: "We talk about the roster and what's out there every day Rick and I." When pressed on whether they have specifically discussed adding Kaepernick he said: "Oh yeah, everybody gets discussed." (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)(Photo: The Associated Press)

Deep down, it's hard to believe that if not for his protest last season during the national anthem, Kaepernick — who was named GQ "Citizen of the Year" Nov. 13 — would likely be on the field right now.

In a grievance Kaepernick has filed against NFL owners alleging collusion, his lawyers are seeking cell phone records and other digital evidence from the league.

In a digital age when people think they’re safe conversing between friends or colleagues, nothing is ever truly deleted from the internet. So we will likely learn more about communication among NFL owners as the case progresses.

Some NFL owners have made public statements about Kaepernick. New York Giants owner John Mara said during the offseason he had received strong opposition about Kaepernick's protests, even though Kaepernick was not a member of his team.

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair said "we can't have the inmates running the prison" in regards to players protesting during the national anthem.

Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said he’d need to pray about signing the former San Francisco 49ers signal-caller, even though Bisciotti's head coach and general manager both said Kaepernick would be a good fit for the team.

Never mind Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco has been playing like fictional quarterback Shane “Footsteps” Falco from The Replacements this season, his onerous contract makes it impossible to replace him.

The same can’t be said for teams like the Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts or Green Bay Packers.

These are just a few examples of rosters that would — one would think — have interest in a quarterback who is just days past 30 years of age and who has led his team to the Super Bowl.

Whether as a starter or a backup, it's hard to believe all the above teams would not jump at the opportunity to add a player of Kaepernick’s pedigree.

Following star rookie Deshaun Watson’s torn ACL, Houston first signed Matt McGloin and then Josh Johnson to back up Tom Savage.

McGloin started one game last season for the Oakland Raiders, throwing for 50 yards on 8-of-15 passing, while Johnson hasn’t been on the field since 2013 or started a game since 2011.

Kaepernick would have fit the Texans' offense well as a mobile quarterback. He threw 16 touchdowns and four interceptions last season on a horrendous 49ers team.

Kaepernick is hoping to prove the NFL is colluding to deny him a job, and much like another famed drama involving a conspiracy, the truth is out there.

And while it might exist on a phone or laptop, some of the evidence may also involve who is currently taking snaps under center for several NFL teams.

Once the case is resolved, it will either be Kaepernick or the league taking a knee.